Reiss' take on injuries

[PromisedLand]

With the win over Dallas now in place, I come away with a couple of questions after the game. First, how serious is the Benjamin Watson injury, and if it is bad, could an old friend say, Jermaine Wiggins, be a possible pick up as a receiving tight end? And second, with the Pats already thin at RB (Maroney always seems to be hurt), if the Morris injury is bad, who do we turn to? The fact that Tampa can't find a reliable veteran can't be real good news if the Pats need another back.
Pete Pasco, Hudson, N.Y.
A: Watson injured his left ankle and my sense is that he is going to be out for at least the next two games. I also think Morris, who was reported to have injured his chest (it looked like ribs), is probably going to be out longer than that. As for what the Patriots do to fill the void, if they feel the need to sign a tight end - and want to make the space on the 53-man roster -- I'd say Brian Jones would be the likely choice as he was in training camp with the club. But ultimately, I think the most likely solutions are already on the roster. Naturally, Kyle Brady and Marcellus Rivers will have to play more, but I think this is where someone like physical receiver Kelley Washington could be utilized - less as an in-line blocker, and more as a pass-catcher in a tight-end type role. I don't see them making any additions at running back, as Laurence Maroney seems primed to return. With Morris' expected absence, and the idea that Maroney will probably be eased back into the mix, that will mean some more work for Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel on early downs.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/10_16_2007?mode=PF

 

[Fencer]

I've been saying that about Washington in other threads. He's not getting cut with the Pats being thin at TE.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

What about Dave Thomas... wasn't he supposed to be coming back or did I miss something?

 

[BelichickFan]

What about Dave Thomas... wasn't he supposed to be coming back or did I miss something?

IR a week or two ago. Rivers replaced him.

 

[just_syl]

He's on IR.

 

[makoute]

What about Dave Thomas... wasn't he supposed to be coming back or did I miss something?

I think he is on IR

 

[desi-patsfan]

Washington at TE isnt so bad. Brady is always there to block. Glad to hear Maroney is ready to go. Too bad Cheap Shot Roy took down another NFL Player.

 

[LoveDemPats]

Maybe Eckel will not be that bad. I remember Tampa really used that big dude, (can't remember is name) to get these nice straight ahead gains a few years back. I think the big thing is whether or not he can block? He has been used in situations were the pats are pretty much only handing off, so I am not sure if he can pick up the blitz. If he can, then this guy may not be such a bad solution.

 

[sebman2112]

Maybe Eckel will not be that bad. I remember Tampa really used that big dude, (can't remember is name) to get these nice straight ahead gains a few years back. I think the big thing is whether or not he can block? He has been used in situations were the pats are pretty much only handing off, so I am not sure if he can pick up the blitz. If he can, then this guy may not be such a bad solution.

Mike Alstott? Yea, he was a a very good FB for a while.

Also, I'd think about signing Barlow, as I think he could be a decent backup to Maroney while Morris is out. He's only 28 who knows maybe he revives his career with the Pats...

 

[JoeSixPat]

TE is not the concern as much as RB depth... Washington at 6' 3" is a perfect fill in as a pass catching TE... not as bulky as other TEs but as a special team player he can bang around better than most WRs

 

[stinkypete]

I'm going to say the name Corey Dillon just because someone eventually will.

And no, I see no chance of that happening.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

As usual, Reiss nailed it.